Brussels, 04/07/2005 (Agence Europe) - Some of Europe's largest telecommunications operators and electronics, audiovisual and media groups officially launched the "NEM" technological platform (Networked and Electronic Media) on Thursday, which will speed up the development of new broadband audiovisual and multimedia services. This initiative, which was developed by Alcatel, EBU (European Broadcasting Union), France Telecom, Intel, Nokia, Philips, Telefonica and Thomson, answers the expectations of the European Commission, which, in the context of digital convergence, is relying on the co-operation of and initiatives by the industry, said Viviane Reding, Commissioner for the Information Society and Media, who attended the event. NEM will use wireless technology to deliver interactive audiovisual content, which will be received by a broad range of terminals via complimentary access networks. "The aim of the NEM platform is to speed up innovation and convergence between the audiovisuals sector, content editors and the telecommunications sector", NEM officials explain. This process will allow the competitiveness of European industries to be stepped up, and will give consumers a broad choice of quality services. Commissioner Reding has responded most favourably to initiatives of this kind, which are a perfect response to the objectives laid down in the new strategic framework "i2010" (digital convergence, investment in economically beneficial projects which will have a direct positive impact on civil society and business). According to Viviane Reding, only reinforced co-operation between the European institutions, governments and the world of economics will allow the revised Lisbon objectives in terms of growth in employment to be achieved. It is incumbent upon European political leaders to provide enterprise with a clear and adequate framework, she said. Businesses must also come forward and propose initiatives. "You are perfectly placed to do this", she told the participants.